Characters & Family
This is the name of the author and narrator of The Best We Could Do.
Thi Bui
Vietnam’s long history of resisting this nation shapes Thi’s family’s perspective
China
What surprising news did Ma find out while they are trying to organize another escape?
She’s pregnant
This family member is portrayed as quiet, withdrawn, and emotionally distant, shaped by trauma.
Thi’s father (Bố)
The fall of this city marks a turning point for Thi’s parents.
Saigon
How did the Bui family escape?
on a boat
Thi’s mother was once training to be this profession before fleeing Vietnam.
a teacher or a doctor? (Accept either — her education was disrupted multiple times.)
This war deeply impacted Thi’s parents’ lives and shaped their traumas.
The Vietnam War
What type of technology did the Bui’s rely on to receive their news?
radio
Thi explores her parents' difficult pasts after experiencing this major life event herself.
becoming a mother
Thi compares her parents’ survival stories to myths about these larger-than-life figures.
heroes
What does Bo say with fear will happen to Ma’ if she goes to work?
she will get arrested and take her away
This family member had to make the difficult decision to leave their aging parents behind during their escape from Vietnam.
Thi’s mother
Vietnam’s Liberation day was known by her family as...
The day we lost our Country
What did Ma and Bo decide to do with their books?
burn them